Welcome to the Tour de France, widely recognized as the most prestigious and challenging cycling race globally. If you're new to the Tour or the sport of cycling, now is an excellent time to get involved. The 2025 Tour de France is set to begin, offering three weeks of intense competition, strategic racing, and remarkable athletic performances. This guide will help you navigate and fully enjoy this iconic annual event.
What is the Tour de France: The Ultimate Cycling Challenge
The Tour de France is an iconic annual multiple-stage bicycle race predominantly held in France, with occasional forays into neighboring countries. The 2025 edition spans 21 challenging day-long stages over a total of 23 days, covering an approximate distance of 3,320 kilometers (2,063 miles). This grand cycling event strategically combines diverse terrains, including thrilling flat stages for sprinters, brutal mountain stages that test climbers to their limit, and intense individual time trials where riders battle against the clock, making it the ultimate test of a cyclist's endurance, skill, and strategy.
Key Terms to Know
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Peloton: The main group of riders. Staying in the peloton helps riders conserve energy by reducing wind resistance.
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GC (General Classification): The overall competition in the Tour de France. The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wears the coveted yellow jersey.
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Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune): Worn by the rider leading the General Classification. It's the most prestigious jersey in cycling.
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Green Jersey (Maillot Vert): Awarded to the leader of the points classification, often a sprinter who performs well in flat stages.
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Polka Dot Jersey (Maillot à Pois Rouges): Worn by the best climber, leading the King of the Mountains classification.
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White Jersey (Maillot Blanc): Awarded to the best young rider (under 26) in the General Classification.
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Domestique: A team rider who supports the leader by pacing them, fetching water, and protecting them from the wind.
The Teams and Riders
Each of the 23 teams in the Tour de France 2025 consists of eight riders. These teams work together as a cohesive unit, strategically working to support their designated leader in pursuit of stage victories, various jersey classifications, or the ultimate prize of the overall General Classification. Here are some of the riders and teams to look out for.
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Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): A multiple Tour de France winner and current champion, known for his climbing and time-trial prowess. He’s the favourite.
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Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a bike): A two-time champion of the Tour, a formidable climber with a strong team. Simon Yates has joined the team this year which will be a strong support for Vingegaard.
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Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe): A consistent contender and Grand Tour winner.
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Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step): A young, aggressive rider with a strong future.
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Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers): The leader for INEOS Grenadiers, Rodríguez has been consistently improving in Grand Tours. With the support of experienced riders like Geraint Thomas (who is riding his 14th and final Tour).
The Stages: Variety and Challenge
The Tour de France features different types of stages:
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Flat Stages: Typically ending in a mass sprint, these stages are suited to sprinters who can race at high speeds.
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Mountain Stages: Featuring steep climbs and high altitudes, these stages are where climbers and GC contenders shine.
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Time Trials: Individual races against the clock, testing riders' speed and endurance over a set distance.
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Hilly Stages: These stages have a mix of climbs and flat sections, often leading to exciting breakaways and tactical racing.
Must-Watch Stages of 2025
Stage 10: Ennezat > Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy
This marks the first proper mountain stage of the 2025 Tour, occurring on Bastille Day.2 While the final climb to Puy de Sancy is not the longest, the stage features significant elevation gain (over 4,400 meters) and will be a crucial early test for the General Classification contenders.
Stage winner:
Stage 12: Auch > Hautacam
The peloton enters the Pyrenees with this demanding stage culminating in a summit finish on Hautacam. This climb has a history of decisive moments in the Tour, and with a challenging 13.6km climb at an average of 7.8%, combined with other significant ascents like the Col du Soulor, it's set to be a major battleground for the GC.
Stage winner:
Stage 13: Loudenvielle > Peyragudes
A short but brutal 10.9 km individual mountain time trial to Peyragudes. This uphill time trial includes a steep ramp to the altiport with sections up to 16%.
Stage winner:
Stage 14: Pau > Luchon-Superbagnères
This stage is a classic Pyrenean test, featuring the iconic "Holy Trinity" of the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, and Col de Peyresourde, before a summit finish at Luchon-Superbagnères. With over 5,000 meters of climbing, it's one of the toughest stages and could be the day a race-winning move is launched.
Stage winner:
Stage 16: Montpellier > Mont Ventoux
The legendary Mont Ventoux returns! This stage, while not featuring the highest elevation gain of the Alpine stages, carries immense prestige. The ascent from Bedoin is notoriously challenging (15.7km at 8.8%), and conquering the "Giant of Provence" will be a career highlight for any rider. Expect a fierce battle on its exposed slopes.
Stage winner:
Stage 18: Vif > Courchevel Col de la Loze
Dubbed the "Queen Stage" by many, this stage includes over 5,500 meters of elevation gain and features climbs like the Glandon, Madeleine, and the Col de la Loze. For the first time, the Col de la Loze (the highest point of the Tour at 2,304m) will be tackled from its eastern flank, promising a truly grueling challenge.
Stage winner:
Stage 19: Albertville > La Plagne
Another high-mountain stage in the Alps, though shorter at 129.9 km, it packs a punch with over 4,500 meters of climbing across multiple peaks, culminating in the tough ascent to the ski resort of La Plagne. As the final mountainous stage of the Tour, it's the last chance for climbers and GC contenders to make significant moves before the final day.
Stage winner:
Stage 21: Mantes-la-Ville > Paris Champs-Élysées
Back in Paris after a year off for the Olympics, this 2025 final stage includes a twist. For the first time since 2020, the race will conclude with laps of a circuit that incorporates climbs up Montmartre Hill, inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympic road races, before the traditional sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées. This addition could add an unexpected element of suspense to the grand finale.
Stage winner:
How to Watch
You can catch the Tour de France on various sports networks, often with live coverage and highlights. Many channels provide expert commentary, making it easier to understand the tactics and drama unfolding on the road. Online streaming services and apps also offer convenient ways to watch the race live or catch up on the action. Often city cycling cafes show the race on TV where you can discuss tactics and drool over expensive bikes with fellow cyclists and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you're planning to travel to France to watch the Tour de France in person, bringing your own bicycle is a fantastic way to explore the stunning routes and experience the race atmosphere firsthand. We recommend a bicycle cover for travel and transport and if you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be able to take the bike in the room with you to protect the floors.
Conclusion
The Tour de France is more than just a race; it's a celebration of endurance, strategy, and the sheer beauty of cycling. Whether you're rooting for a specific rider, team, or just enjoying the spectacle, the Tour offers something for every sports fan. Grab your favourite snacks, find a good spot, and get ready to experience the thrill of the Tour de France 2025!